Amtrak Unwritten Rules | What You Need To Know Before You Ride The Train

Today we will share the Amtrak unwritten rules. There are many written rules when riding Amtrak but these are things you may not know. We share insights about amtrak sleeper cars, amtrak coach class, amtrak bedrooms, amtrak roomettes and the popular routes such as the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder and Southwest Chief.

We also dive into Amtrak Dining, Fresh Air Breaks and all the guidelines you might have questions about on your trip.

Our Cruise Channel:

CONNECT WITH US!

[cqc]

Sleeping car attendants go above and beyond, and are generally willing to help with things outside the scope of their duties if you ask nicely. On a Christmas Eve trip from LA to New Orleans aboard the Sunset Limited, our car attendant allowed us use the attendant break room to wrap gifts for our 10-year-old twin sons while they slept, and found a big red bag that she put the wrapped gifts in before delivering them to our table at breakfast the next morning, which was Christmas day. She told my astonished, wide-eyed kids that Santa had met the train in San Antonio the night before and dropped off their gifts. Patty helped us keep the magic for our kids for another few years, and earned a million thanks from us.

[pattymc]

My husband and I are both older and a bit on the shy side. We are generally quiet and keep our conversations private when we are sharing a space with others. On our first trip on the Coast Starlight we were really not looking forward to sharing a table with strangers. But, it ended up being a wonderful experience. We encountered everything from a young couple covered in tattoos and piercings to older professionals. We were very fortunate because, to a person, they were all very nice and interesting. I distinctly remember that young couple. When I saw them My hear sank because I just KNEW we would get seated with them. And, we did. They’ve ended up being the most memorable dining guests. Just another lesson to stop judging people on how they look. You would think that at my age I would know better but I guess we all need a refresher course now and then. I no longer fret over sharing a table. I would also have no problem whatsoever asking to be moved or taking my meal to my room if I encountered belligerent, rude, racist or generally nasty dining guests. I might be shy but I don’t tolerate the company of jerks.

[artbrownsr]

May be not appropriate for some folks but my avatar is my wife and I, it is good to see a mixed couple on YouTube. We had 43 years before her death in 2020.

[esseil]

One point I'd add: yes, be courteous to your fellow passengers (especially your seatmate and dining companions, if applicable). But if you're a "chatty Cathy" type, keep in mind that not everyone is. Amtrak likes to push "meeting new friends" on the train, but not everyone is a social butterfly. I'll be nice to you, because I do enjoy a good conversation for a while, but there will come a time when I've had enough -- and I'm sure I speak for many other introverts!

[jimcordell]

My experience on Amtrak is that the other passengers are better behaved than on an airplane. Maybe it's because they haven't been treated like cattle beforehand, maybe it's because they have a little bit more room, maybe just everything is more relaxed on a train and less stressful. But that's my experience.

[Lyandra]

As an autistic person, this video really helped to lower my anxiety. Thank you!

[MikeTerry]

I'm very introverted and would prefer to eat alone at my own table, but the last time I was sat next to other people and I must admit it was delightful. The other people were wonderful and afterwards I was glad that I was sort of forced to be socialable.

[PMabq]

The porters & car attendants were incredibly helpful when I traveled with my husband, who had very poor mobility, getting him a ramp, switching his seating to the lower part of the car, with the restrooms in close proximity. On another occasion, when we had a roomette, the porter thoughtfully brought a meal down from the dining car for my husband. Shhhh! Not sure that was allowed, but the compassion shown was really appreciated.

[coryphillips]

Suggestion for people who get cold easily. In the cafe car, you can buy a sleep pack. Which includes: blanket, earplugs, neck pillow, and a sleep mask that go over the eyes.

[frankrueger]

Just found you; thank you so much. Fun and informative. I’m a fossil. My first train trip was in 1948 as I recall, Sioux City, Iowa, to Chicago, connecting service to Milwaukee. We were late arriving in Chicago (snowstorm) and had to run for the Milwaukee Road, which was creeping out of station and crammed with Great Lakes sailors on Christmas leave going home. The conductor found us a spot in the bar car. Mother squished between exuberant sailors and I slept on the table top cushioned and covered by damp pea coats. We arrived in Milwaukee sometime near dawn to several feet of new snow. The conductor kept track of mother and me, and helped us off the train and into the station past massive snowdrifts. I loved it all I cannot imagine another mode of public transportation that would have accommodated a diminutive woman with a small child and big bags, especially in that hectic crush. This began a love affair with the rails which has lasted. You’ve made me think that I might still be able to physically manage another rail journey. I will contact Amtrak and inquire. Possibly I can skip sleeping on a table in a lounge car this time. Thank you so much for your channel. I will certainly travel with you in spirit.

[AnneMB]

As an Aussie having visited the US 6 times now, I have really enjoyed my Amtrak journeys. Comfortable, picturesque views out the windows, great way to meet others. Have met some wonderful US residents. Thx for letting me reminisce. 😊

[Dr.Pepper]

My wife took Amtrak from Orem, Utah to Denver and it was in the dead of winter. The "station" was more like an old bus stop. There was no place to go inside to get warm. She stood there until 5 a.m. and the train finally showed up. It was over 5 hours late. It's something she'll never forget.

[davejohnson]

Haven't been on an overnight train since I was eight (1956) so the information you provide is priceless. Amtrak owes you!

[rayyoon]

one thing i can suggest (especially if you are going to be bringing alot of snacks and things with you on those longer trips) is bring a couple of kitchen size garbage bags... when i travel my trash is in that bag and during a fresh air stop i seek out an attendant to either dump and save the bag or just dispose of the whole thing if it is necessary :). they are so correct about those tiny trash bins they can be annoying and i have caught myself gloving up and cleaning out a restroom that was just so incredibly gorked and it usually was containable in that kitchen sized bag... as others have said the attendants really do go above and beyond in most cases so its kind of a feel good thing (for me) to help them out :)

[eb]

let’s pray that they get adequate time off. we need our rails but they need their sanity

[joanphilbin]

I recall our train having to give way to the freight trains, on one of my train trips. It made us very late, to Chicago, and we missed our connections heading east. We were offered alternative travel arrangements, which worked just fine. Thankfully.

[roaminx]

You come across as such nice people, and so knowledgeable, and so generous with your observations. As if sitting across from you, thank you. It was been very nice meeting you. And what great spokespeople you are for Amtrak. Wishing you many more safe and enjoyable adventures.

[skuhskuh]

This video should be required viewing for all passengers. Really good insights.
I booked a round trip on the Zephyr for this November because of the content from this channel. I hope to share a table with anyone in the dining car that watched this video!
Happy trails!
Thanks and praise!

[steveshulze]

Been on Amtrak a number of years back. Took the sleeper and knew the food came with the sleeper. Noticed people tipping several different employees. The cook was friendly and social. At one point he just assumed he would get a tip from me and I just wasn't prepared for that. He showed a brief disappointment but went about his normal routine without any dismay. That experience alone enticed me to watch this video. If I knew about the tipping I would've given a grateful amount.

[marykrauthamel]

I've traveled Amtrak just about from Day 1, and these are some things I've learned.
1. Think of your vacation as starting when you get on the train. When you fly, your vacation doesn't start till you get your bags off of the carousel.
2. It helps to be friendly with your seat mate/table mate, etc. Most people seem to like to talk about themselves and hear about others.
3. Please keep an eye on your kids, but remember that they will probably enjoy meeting other kids. My daughter with ADHD loved to travel by train. There isn't much trouble they can get into. Think of the train as a couple of big boxes that the kids are not likely to get lost or get in trouble in.
4. Hold on while you're walking. Also, PLEASE wear footwear when moving about. There are potential hazards that could cost you a toe, or worse.
5. Please be patient, especially when the outside weather is bad. Trains seldom make detours since doing so is a complicated process involving the host railroad as well as their coordination processes and maintenance crews.
6. Bring something to do (books, crafts, games, etc) so that if you get delayed, you will have something with which to occupy yourself.

Have a good trip.